David Thronson, 78

David W. Thronson, of Ackley, Iowa, died November 10, 2012, at age 78 at home after a six-year struggle with interstitial lung fibrosis.

David was born June 17, 1934 in Glasgow, Montana, to Carmen P. and Borghild (Ottoson) Thronson and he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Mehmen at First Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa on June 1, 1960.

David graduated from Osakis High School in 1952 and Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1956. After graduating from Luther, David started his career as a teacher of mathematics in Monona, Iowa. He received his M.A. from the University of Northern Iowa in 1963 and completed additional graduate study at the University of Kansas and North Texas State University. In 1958-59, he served in the U.S. Army as a statistician.

David was also a teacher at Iowa Central Community College, a principal in Monona, a math consultant for the state of Iowa, and he completed his career as a teacher of mathematics at Westside Community Schools, Omaha, Nebraska. He spent seven summers at Boston College teaching a course in discrete mathematics to secondary teachers. David was recognized for his work as a teacher, receiving a 1993 Nebraska Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and the 1994 Outstanding Teacher Award, Westside Community Schools. During most of David’s years as a public school teacher, he coached football. His enthusiasm and skill for teaching math was an inspiration to many students and fellow teachers.

David published two books. The first, My Love is Always Yours, is a compilation of his uncle’s World War II letters. His second, The Fine Art of Mathematical Magic, is a collection of magic tricks explained and proven for amateurs and experts.

David was active in the Lutheran church and a member of Lions. He enjoyed tutoring students, was a collector of old math texts, and looked forward to football season every year. He especially loved time with family and friends.

David is survived by his wife, Betty, of Ackley, Iowa; and three children, Mary (Daniel) Stawniak of Papillion, Nebraska; David Brent (Veronica) Thronson of Okemos, Michigan; and Rebecca (Scot) Idstrom of Decorah, Iowa; six grandchildren, Tim (Ashley and daughter, Alaya) Stawniak; Mike (Jacki) Stawniak; Jacob, Claudia, and Johanna Idstrom; and Emma Thronson; great-grandchild, Madison Stawniak; sister, Solveig (Kenneth) Engh of West Fargo, North Dakota; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A00009B2012NV30

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions